Man killed in West Valley City shooting

Crime • Police seek assailants in Saturday attack that may be gang-related.

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West Valley City police are searching for suspects in the Saturday night shooting death of a young man.

Anthony Hernandez, 19, was walking down the street with a group of people near 3100 South and 4300 West when two vehicles pulled up and someone began shooting, according to West Valley City Sgt. Jason Hauer.

Officers arrived at the scene about 10:17 p.m. and rushed Hernandez to the hospital. He died about 2 a.m. Sunday morning, police said.

Witnesses told investigators a silver Nissan Armada SUV and a white four-door car pulled up to the group, and a "brief verbal exchange with gang references" ensued between Hernandez and the occupants of the vehicles, police said.

"Basically there was mention of gang involvement on both sides," Hauer added.

Someone in the four-door car then opened fire, hitting Hernandez.

Both vehicles fled the scene and had not been located by Sunday evening. Police have interviewed the people who were with Hernandez but had not detained them Sunday.

Hauer also said it was concerning about potential gang retaliation, and he called the killing a tragedy.

"Our condolences go out to the family," Hauer said.

Police urge any potential witnesses to step forward. Investigators can be reached at 801-840-4000.